The Police Service Commission (PSC) has refuted media reports claiming that a court ordered the reinstatement of nearly 200 senior police officers recently retired from service, clarifying that no such directive was contained in the judgment referenced.
Reacting to a publication by Sahara Reporters of October 2, 2025, titled “Court Orders IGP Egbetokun, PSC to Reinstate Owohunwa, Simon Lough, 194 Other Officers Sacked Over Age Falsification Scandal,” the Commission described the report as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC said it is fully aware of the judgment delivered by the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, on September 30, 2025, in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/28/2025 – ACP Chinedu Ambrose Emengaha & 7 Ors v. Police Service Commission & 2 Ors, but stressed that the ruling did not order any reinstatement of officers as alleged.
“Nothing in the above decision of the court specifically orders the reinstatement of the officers as alleged by Sahara Reporters, or specifically mentions any other officer,” Ani clarified.
The Commission explained that the court’s judgment mainly reaffirmed earlier decisions in previous suits, which held that the dates of first appointment of the affected Cadet ASPs (Force Entrants of Courses 18, 19, and 20) could not be altered by the defendants.
It also declared that those who have not reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years or completed 35 years of service are excluded from any retirement directive based on age falsification.
Ani added that the Commission is studying the decision of the court and will take appropriate steps, including the option of an appeal where necessary.
“The Commission is carefully reviewing the judgment and will take all necessary actions within the bounds of the law, including exercising its right to appeal,” he stated.
He further noted that the officers mentioned in the Sahara Reporters story — AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Benneth Igweh, and DCP Simon Lough (SAN) — are parties in a separate case currently before the same court.
“The public should note that the officers referred to in the publication filed a different suit, AIG Idowu Owohunwa & Ors v. Police Service Commission & 7 Ors (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/88/2025), which is still pending before the court,” Ani said.
He reaffirmed that the Police Service Commission remains a law-abiding institution guided by due process and committed to upholding the integrity of the judiciary.
“The Commission is a responsible organisation that upholds obedience to the rule of law as a cardinal principle. It will not do anything to undermine or disparage the sanctity of the judiciary,” Ani assured.
The PSC reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fair application of laws governing the appointment, promotion, and discipline of officers in the Nigeria Police Force.
